Barbecue Chicken Meatloaf – A Healthier Way To Make This Classic Comfort Food Recipe

Barbecue Chicken Meatloaf is a delicious and easy to make recipe that is packed full of flavor. It takes a classic comfort food recipe and transitions it to a whole new level.

Instead of using ground beef, ground chicken is combined with spices, seasonings and and of course a tangy and smoky barbecue sauce. Not only is it tasty, but it is also a leaner and healthier alternative than making traditional meatloaf.

However because of the lower fat content in chicken, it can have a tendency to become dry and crumbly if you don’t have the right ratio of ingredients. Therefore, it is best to follow this specific recipe, rather than throwing everything in a bowl and mixing it together.

Although the specific amount of ingredients matter, there are some other important tips to keeping meatloaf moist. These tips hold true when making all types of meatloaf, regardless of the variety of meat being used.

However, when it comes to chicken, it is extremely important to follow these guidelines. Otherwise the meat can dry out and the meatloaf will be less than desirable.

Luckily, I have found the perfect ratio of ingredients and always follow the tips below. And after making this meatloaf recipe dozens of times it always turns out perfect each and every time!

The Keys To Making Meatloaf Moist

1. Use Moist Ingredients:

With all meatloaf recipes, including this barbecue chicken meatloaf recipe you must include moist ingredients to prevent the mixture from drying out during baking. Although I use milk when making my Ground Beef Meatloaf and Meatloaf Muffins recipes, here I use barbecue and Worcestershire sauce for both moisture and added flavor.

2. Add Breadcrumbs or Oats:

Adding breadcrumbs or oats to your meatloaf recipe can help absorb moisture and keep the meatloaf from becoming too dense.

3. Don’t Over Mix the Meat:

Over mixing the meat can cause the meatloaf to become tough, dry and dense. Resist the urge to use your hands to mix the ingredients as you will be tempted to squeeze the ingredients together.

Instead, use two forks and mix the ingredients just until they are combined. Or if you insist on using your hands keep your fingers straight while mixing to remind yourself not to squeeze.

4. Use an Instant Read Digital Meat Thermometer:

Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (74°C) before pulling it out of the oven.

5. Let the Meatloaf Rest:

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the meat to rise to 165°F for safe consumption. In addition, it also allows the juices to redistribute which keeps the meatloaf moist.

6. Add a Glaze To The Top:

Adding a glaze to the top of your meatloaf will add both moisture and flavor to the dish. For this chicken meatloaf recipe barbecue sauce is used as the glaze.

By following these simple tips, you will have moist and delicious meatloaf each and every time!

How To Make Your Own Ground Chicken Breast

Although you can purchase ground chicken at the grocery store, it is much more economical to make it yourself. All you need is boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and a food processor.

Start by cutting the chicken into small pieces, approximately 1-2 inches in size. The place the chicken pieces in the freezer for 10 minutes so that they are cold. This will help the chicken grind more easily and not stick to the blades of the food processor.

Next, add the cold chicken pieces to the food processor and pulse several times until the chicken is ground into small, evenly sized pieces. However be careful not to over-process the chicken as you don’t want it to turn to paste or become mushy.

Once the chicken is ground, you can use it immediately in your barbecue meatloaf recipe or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

You can also use a meat grinder or a stand mixer with a grinder attachment to grind the chicken. However I find it easier to clean the food processor when grinding a small batch of chicken.

How To Store & Reheat Barbecue Chicken Meatloaf

To store leftovers allow the meatloaf to cool down to room temperature. Then store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

However if you want to make it easy to reheat individual portions I have found a better way to store leftovers. Cut the remaining meatloaf into individual portions and then wrap each portion tightly with plastic wrap.

Place the wrapped portions in an airtight container or a ziplock bag and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This will allow you to heat individual servings without exposing the remaining pieces to open air which could dry out the meat.

When you are ready to reheat the meatloaf, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the meatloaf out of the refrigerator and remove the plastic wrap. Place the meatloaf portions in a baking dish and cover it loosely with foil. This will prevent it from drying out.

Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Then slice and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Microwave Reheating Instructions

Alternatively, you can reheat meatloaf in the microwave. Place the meatloaf portion on a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel.

Microwave it for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. However, reheating meatloaf in the microwave may result in a slightly different texture when compared to baking it in the oven, but it is still delicious.

And yes, if you are wondering if you can enjoy the meatloaf on a sandwich the next day, absolutely! It is my favorite way to enjoy leftovers!

Barbecue Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb. ground chicken
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, divided
• 1/2 cup unseasoned Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/8 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 Tablespoon dried minced onion
• 1/2 Tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 Tablespoon chopped parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

Before starting the barbecue chicken meatloaf recipe preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Then line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, foil or a silicone baking mat and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, bread crumbs, freshly grated parmesan cheese, egg, half of the barbecue sauce, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, dried minced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined.

*Do not over mix or your meatloaf will become dense and tough.

Place the meatloaf mixture onto the prepared baking pan, forming it in a thin log about 4″ across and 2 inches in height. The thinner size will decrease the required baking time and keep the meatloaf moist.

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, and then brush the top of the meatloaf with the remaining barbecue sauce. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until an internal temperature reaches 160*F with an instant read meat thermometer.

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy! Mary

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